With a busy summer of camping, we must all do our part to respect the parks we love.
Lately we have noticed some inappropriate behavior at water taps. We have prepared for you the definitive guide on how to correctly use the park’s water taps.
Where are the water taps?
Water taps are located in regular locations at each campsite and there will usually be one within walking distance of your site.
Unless posted otherwise, all water is safe to drink. The water is tested periodically and monitored by the local health unit.
Be sure to check our alerts page before you leave on your camping trip to see if a boil water advisory is in effect.
What can I do on a water faucet?
Water faucets are there to provide water for your use during your camping trip.
Water can be collected from the tap and taken to the campsite to drink and wash dishes.
We suggest packing a reusable water container for your trip to carry water back to your site.
You may also want to fill your water bottle at the tap before heading out for the day at the park.
What CAN I NOT do at a water faucet?
When using the water tap, you must be respectful of other park visitors.
Water taps should never be used to wash your hands or bathe yourself or your family. Doing so leaves a suffocating, soapy mess that other visitors must deal with.
Washing dishes in water taps is also not allowed.
Food scraps and soap are attractants and can attract bears to your campsite. Adding anything (even soapy water and pieces of food) to the park ecosystem is against park regulations. Here we explain how to wash dishes correctly.
Water spigots also cannot be used to fill your RV’s water tank. Instead, this can be done at the trailer filling stations located in each park.
Water faucets are not animal waterers, so bring a collapsible bowl for your dog!
Why all the rules?
As park lovers, our job is to keep our natural environment safe and do everything we can to protect it.
At Ontario Parks, we are committed to maintaining ecological integrity in our protected areas. This commitment to ecological integrity means we are working hard to maintain or restore the naturalness of your favorite parks.
Something as simple as using a water faucet correctly can be your way of taking care of the park you love.